Cannabis Reclassified In the UK (From January 29)

Over 300 British MPs voted to change cannabis's classification from Class B to Class C this week, meaning the drug should be formally downgraded in the UK from January 29th next year.

Announcing the reclassification, Home Office Minister Caroline Flint told the House of Commons that authorities need to adopt a realistic, honest approach to drugs, pointing out 'children and young people talk to each other and can see for themselves the different effects of drugs, so if we do not conduct an honest discussion, they will not listen."

She also dismissed claims by Conservative politician Graham Brady that today's cannabis is between 10 and 15 times stronger than it was 30 years ago, saying "I am afraid to tell the honourable Gentleman that the scientific evidence does not fit his analysis.

The evidence of our forensic science unit is that the cannabis that it has sampled is not stronger than it was some years ago. Many of the statements made about the strength of cannabis do not fit the facts."

Though police will still able to arrest cannabis users at their own discretion, busted smokers should in future receive a warning and have their stash seized. However, with no official guidelines being set for 'personal use' quantities, people caught in possession could still risk being branded dealers (facing massive jail sentences) meaning the over-riding position will remain; don't get caught.
Tags

• marijuana